Did your kitty eat his meal too fast and throw up as a result? Silly kitty. But what if he keeps throwing up? Could he have a serious health problem that’s making him vomit over and over? Get to the bottom of why your cat is throwing up and determine if you need to take him to the vet.
Schedule your appointment by clicking the appointment button on this page or calling 240-252-7467.
What Causes a Sudden Episode of Vomiting?
If your cat throws up once or twice, there’s no need to panic. Just keep an eye on him. If he doesn’t throw up again and his behavior remains normal, feel free to move on. He might have thrown up a time or two for any of these reasons:
- New cat food
- Eating too fast
- Motion sickness
- Swallowing something foreign, such as a small toy
- Sensitivity to medication
- Nausea after having an operation
- Bacterial or viral infection in the intestines
- Exposure to chemicals or toxins
What Causes Ongoing Vomiting?
Occasional vomiting is nothing to worry about, but frequent vomiting can be a sign something is seriously wrong. Chronic vomiting can be caused by:
- Colitis, gastritis or pancreatitis
- Hernias or ulcers
- Kidney or liver failure
- Heartworm
- Intestinal obstructions, parasites or tumors
- Toxicity from lead, zinc or plants poisonous to cats such as lilies, eggplants or avocados
When Should You Go to the Vet?
Because it can be hard to pinpoint the reasons your cat is throwing up, watch for other signs of trouble. If you see any of these accompanied by frequent vomiting, schedule a vet appointment right away:
- Diarrhea
- Refusal to drink water
- Lethargy
- Bloody vomit
- Weight loss
- Dry heaving
- Swollen abdomen
- Fever
- Pale or yellow gums
Treatment Options
Of course, you want your furbaby to feel better as fast as possible. The first treatment option should be to withhold food and water until at least two hours after the vomiting has stopped. Then, you can introduce water frequently and in small amounts along with a bland diet.
Try offering boiled potatoes, rice or cooked chicken. If your cat doesn’t throw up again, slowly switch him back to his normal diet or a special diet as recommended by your vet. Comfort and coddle your kitty because he’s probably confused and maybe a little scared.
If you decide you need to take your cat to the vet, your treatment options expand to include:
- Fluid therapy for viral infections, pancreatitis, and liver or kidney disease.
- Antiemetic drugs to control the vomiting.
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs for vomiting caused by intestinal inflammation.
- Surgery for intestinal obstructions.
Getting Help From a Vet
It’s hard to see your pet get sick, but we can help make him all better. Visit the Germantown Vet Clinic to have your kitty looked at right away, especially if you think he may have swallowed a toxin.
Contact us online or by phone at 240-252-7467 to schedule an appointment!
